Raymond Christian Garcia, 23, and Isiah Angelo Garcia, 24, were charged federally with kidnapping for allegedly engaging in a kidnapping and cryptocurrency heist where they held a family at gunpoint for nine hours and stole $8 million in crypto currency. The incident forced Mahtomedi Public Schools to cancel its homecoming football game for the safety of its community.
A news release issued by the United States Attorney’s Office provides the following account of the incident.
“A violent kidnapping that stole $8 million and silenced a homecoming game is not just a crime. It is a blow to the sense of safety of everyone in Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “This is not normal. Minnesotans should not accept wild violence and thievery as normal. Every Minnesotan deserves to live in peace and a life unaffected by rampant crime.”
Parkview’s founding vision lives on 70 years later
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
In 1954, eight families started meeting with a shared vision to start a church. Now in 2025, members say that vision is still very much alive.
Parkview United Church of Christ, located on Bellaire Avenue in White Bear Lake, is celebrating its 70-year anniversary Sunday, Oct. 12. Oct. 9, 2025, also marks the 12th anniversary of voting to become an “open and affirming” congregation, meaning the church openly welcomes persons of every gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression to participate in all aspects of worship and church life.
15 minutes before the son called 911, Raymond Garcia left the home out the back door with the AR-15-style rifle, heading towards the tree line. Raymond Garcia returned to the home shortly thereafter, without the rifle.
Meanwhile, while Raymond Garcia held the wife and son hostage, defendant Isiah Garcia forced Victim 1 at gunpoint to log into his cryptocurrency accounts. Isiah Garcia demanded that Victim 1 transfer large amounts of cryptocurrency into a cryptocurrency wallet that Isiah Garcia provided. During the robbery, Victim 1 saw both Garcia brothers frequently making phone calls to an unknown third party, who appeared to be providing the information related to the cryptocurrency accounts and transfers.
At 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 19, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call from an adult male who reported that he and his family had been victims of an armed robbery and kidnapping by two adult male suspects and had been held hostage at gunpoint within their residence in Grant. The 911 caller reported that he, his father (Victim 1), and his mother had been held hostage.
White Bear Township resident David Wightman, who grew up in the church, recently watched a video about the church that chronicles its history from 1954 through 1985. In that video, one of the pastors is asked about what the church needs to focus on going forward. The pastor says, ‘we need to do more communication with the community and to do mission outreach and to support issues of peace and justice.’
“We have taken that start of a culture of spirituality and modified it to our current state within this country, our current view of social justice and kindness. So the point of origin is kind of the same, but it's been modernized,” Wightman explained.
At 7:45 a.m. that morning, Victim 1 was taking out a garbage can to the street when the Garcia brothers suddenly appeared and pointed an AR15-style rifle and a shotgun at Victim 1. The Garcia brothers took Victim 1 into the garage where they bound his hands with zip ties. They then brought Victim 1 into the house. The Garcia brothers woke up Victim 1’s wife and adult son at gunpoint. They also zip tied their hands and forced them to lie on the floor.
Defendant Raymond Garcia held the wife and son in their home for nine hours. Raymond Garcia was armed with the AR-15-style rifle for the duration of the kidnapping. About
History
Through this third party, the Garcia brothers became aware that Victim 1 had additional cryptocurrency funds. They demanded the money. Victim 1 explained that the remaining funds were on a hard drive-style cryptocurrency wallet that was stored at a family cabin approximately three hours away.
“A violent kidnapping that stole $8 million and silenced a homecoming game is not just a crime. It is a blow to the sense of safety of everyone in Minnesota.”
“As a Chamber of Commerce, we rely on the local Press Pubs newspapers to help amplify the voices of our business community. From covering events to highlighting new businesses, the paper plays a vital role in keeping members visible and strengthening our local economy.”
Joseph H. Thompson Acting U.S. Attorney
“The White Bear Press provides value to our community by operating as a known and consistent resource for local news, event promotion and legal publications. It also helps build community pride by highlighting our nonprofits, service groups and student achievements. We are fortunate, in today’s news market, to continue to have a local newspaper dedicated to our community.”
Isiah Garcia, armed with the shotgun, then forced Victim 1 into Victim 1’s truck. Isiah Garcia drove the truck and Victim 1 to the family’s cabin to retrieve the hard drive. All the while, Raymond Garcia held Victim 1’s wife and son hostage with the AR-15-style rifle. At the cabin, Victim 1 transferred the remaining funds to the cryptocurrency wallet provided by Isiah Garcia. Isiah Garcia then drove Victim 1 back towards Victim 1’s home.
“White Bear Press is a staple in our community and a resource to many. It provides immense value and supports community initiatives, youth programs, businesses and more by sharing stories and acting as a solid source of information. It truly is a community newspaper that represents the city of White Bear Lake.”
In total, the Garcia brothers forced
Victim 1 to transfer $8 million worth of cryptocurrency to their wallets. As Isiah Garcia and Victim 1 were returning to the home, Victim 1’s son used the moments that Raymond Garcia left the home to call 911. Washington County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene following the 911 call and found the wife and son zip tied in the house. As they arrived, Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies saw a man, later identified as Raymond Garcia, running out the back door. When law enforcement searched the area around the home, they located a suitcase in the tree line. In the suitcase, they found a disassembled AR-15-style rifle, AR-15 ammunition, as well as clothing items and beverages. Multiple squads responded to the 911 call, some of whom unknowingly passed Isiah Garcia and Victim 1 as they pulled over to allow the emergency vehicles to pass. Isiah Garcia turned the truck around, parked it nearby, and walked towards a nearby middle school parking lot. Isiah Garcia ditched the shotgun in a nearby field. To protect the safety of the community, Mahtomedi Public Schools was forced to cancel its homecoming football game in response to the ongoing law enforcement activity near the campus. Using a Wendy’s receipt located in the suitcase recovered behind Victim 1’s house, law enforcement was able to determine that Isiah Garcia had rented a white Chevrolet three days prior to the kidnapping, near Houston, Texas. Law enforcement also located video surveillance showing that Raymond Garcia rented a Motel
On
Celebrating the press
cabin. brothers in Washington counts of one count robbery, degree burglary. On Sept. both charged with kidnapping. made their in federal government pending Per the Minneapolis Alvin M. following the complaint, terrorized own home, member family hostage a brazen office, together and local in Minnesota tirelessly responsible
“As a longtime resident of the White Bear Lake community, I look forward to the weekly White Bear Press. It provides information about our schools, city updates, upcoming events and volunteer activities. It helps me stay engaged and connected.”
ISD 624 Board approves preliminary tax levy ceiling for 2026-2027
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The school board has approved a preliminary maximum property tax levy increase of just over $3,080,000, or 4.75%, for the 2026-2027 school year,
Throughout August and September, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) calculates an estimated levy amount for the next school year. White Bear Lake Area Schools Director of Finance Andi Johnson explained that school districts almost always approve the highest possible preliminary amount so that they can have flexibility as MDE adjusts its
In October 1955, the church’s first pastor was hired and worship began taking place in members’ homes. Children would attend Sunday School in the basements of homes while their parents attended service.
“The story goes, if you had children in multiple grades, you would be dropping them off at various people’s homes on Sunday morning,” explained
SEE 70YEARS, PAGE 14
numbers for the final total. Were ISD 624 to approve less than the maximum, it would legally be unable to change that ceiling should the need arise in the coming months.
“City Council summaries. Community calendar. Voters’ guide. Obituaries. School board notes. Church news. Letters to the editor. Police reports. School news. New business openings. Our local newspaper connects us as a community. Studies have shown that where local newspapers do not exist, the civic life of the community suffers. At the League of Women Voters, we believe that credible, ethical local journalism is essential to our democracy, and that everyone should have access to comprehensive and independent local news. Our community is fortunate to have a local paper with these qualities.”
“Property taxes make up 20-25% of our general fund,” Johnson noted. “It’s an important funding stream for the school district.”
Board Member Jessica Ellison stated that this is not a system unique to White Bear; this is how school districts are funded across the country.
“Having a local newspaper is like having a diary of our community happenings. The paper documents not just the big moments in our area, but also the trends and patterns that make a certain era distinct – from fashion to word choices and local issues to food options. So much can be gleaned from the weekly publication.”
Paradoxically, while the property tax levy is increasing, Johnson explained that the average property owner will likely pay less. “The total revenue that we’re going to be receiving is going to go up,” Johnson said, “but there’s a higher amount of property in the school district. There’s new construction and new businesses coming in, so that’s spread over the entire property value (of the district).”
Board Chair Dr. Scott Arcand asked Johnson, “What control do we have in this room on the evaluation of our homes?”
“None,” Johnson replied. county.” Upon hearing that residents in the district property tax increases
The school board is set the Dec. 8 meeting following
enforcement law enforcement scene of Malibu returned next day, the car on September tracked the the Garcia After returning Garcia reported firearm and robbery
Sept. the Garcia in custody, He admitted Raymond Minnesota, family at zip ties, and family
— Kari Moore, executive director, White Bear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
— Rick Juba, White Bear Lake assistant city manager
— Patty Hall, White Bear Lake Rotarian, founder of H2O for Life
— Sara Markoe Hanson, executive director, White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
— Dr. Amelia Reigstad, founder of The Women Collective
— Jackie Reis, president of the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area
In honor of National Newspaper Week, Press Publications asked local city officials, community leaders and business owners, “In what way does the local newspaper provide value to the community?” This year, National Newspaper Week falls on Sunday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 11.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Parkview United Church of Christ, located on Bellaire Avenue, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month.
Inside Minnesota’s new motorcycle law
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Minnesota motorcyclists, rejoice!
A new law allows motorcycle lane splitting and lane filtering on roads and highways.
Under the terms of the law, lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is moving. Specifically, it permits a motorcyclist to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction and in the same traffic lane, provided the motorcyclist is traveling at no more than 25 miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant lanes.
Lane filtering, on the other hand, is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is not moving. This allows motorcyclists to move through stopped traffic, including at traffic lights or in congestion, provided they are traveling no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant lanes.
While the law as a whole is new to Minnesota, Ramsey County Deputy Sheriff Erik Odmark said it is not new to the country. “California and Arizona
have been doing this for a very long time, and it is just making its way to Minnesota. It’s going to be on the states to get advertisements and notifications out there that while this is legal now, it’s only legal under certain conditions. It’s going to be imperative that they emphasize the 25-mile-an-hour speed limit and make sure this isn’t going to end up being a speed limit-free free-for-all.”
“These maneuvers may not be performed on roads with varying lane configurations like work zones, onramps or roundabouts,” noted Lino Lakes Police Sgt. William Owens.
According to Owens, drivers should navigate carefully to avoid blocking a motorcyclist passing or riding on the lane marker that divides traffic lanes.
“State statute requires all drivers to exercise due care while operating a vehicle. Anyone who drives carelessly, disregarding the rights of others, may be guilty of a misdemeanor. It’s important for drivers to share the road and share the lane with motorcycles to prevent needless injuries.”
In determining whether a passing motorcyclist is violating the new law, whether through speeding or improper maneuvers, Officer B.J. Stepan of the Centennial Lakes Police Department
October & November Calendar 2025
said radar and keen observation are the two primary methods used to make a decision.
“With any traffic violation, we have to witness the offense in order to take action against the proper citation. You get used to judging the speeds of vehicles, so the first thing we use is our visual observations based upon our experience, as well as using radar. If traffic is stopped, the radar will pick up the moving vehicle coming between those and we’ll be able to tell if they’re within that 15 miles an hour.”
Lino Lakes Police Chief Curt Boehme said the department’s patrol officers will be watchful for violations, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours. “There are fewer two-lane roads in Lino Lakes compared to other communities, so we are not expecting this to be a significant problem.”
Sgt. Eric Gadbois of the White Bear Lake Police Department said the new law has altered the dynamics of who is held responsible in the event of a vehicular accident.
“Prior to this law, the motorcyclists would almost certainly be assigned fault if an accident occurred. Now, if an accident were to occur, the standard procedure would be to investigate,
determine intent and potentially assign fault if apparent. Many different factors would still come into play, such as the speed of those involved, reckless behaviors disregarding traffic control devices and proper lane usage rules.”
However, Gadbois added that he hopes the new law will lead to a decrease in motorcycle accidents overall. “The change in law was intended to reduce motorcycle accidents, specifically motorcyclists being rear-ended. However, law changes can often take time to become ‘the new norm’ and have motorists be on the lookout for motorcycles.”
Those interested in learning more about the new motorcycle law can do so at www.tinyurl.com/3chsxsc5.
MADE IN THE NORTH METRO CAREER FAIR
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8
Where: National Sports Center, Blaine
Details: Interactive career fair with local employers who build products in their own backyards. On-site interviews and food samples.
Contact: metronorthchamber.org
THE SCIENCE & ART OF LONGEVITY
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Kelly Nygard, owner of Live 2 B Healthy – St. Croix Valley, will share insights from Dr. Peter Attia’s bestselling book Outlive to explore the difference between lifespan and healthspan, and how thoughtful choices today can enhance the quality of future years. Free community event.
Contact: 651-777-1107
MUSIC FESTIVAL & AUCTIONS
When: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 E. County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Live music, food for sale, and silent auction from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Live auction begins at 1:00 p.m. Artwork, themed gift baskets, and many unique items up for bid.
Contact: 651-777-1107
P.E.P. TALKS: MENTAL ILLNESS IN YOUTH
When: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12
Where: Presbyterian Church of the Way, 3382 Lexington
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center and Veteran’s Memorial Park
Details: Outdoor, community event with painted pumkins for sale, games, crafts, fire trucks, food, refreshments and more. Sponsored by the Wildwood Lions Club and Kramer-Berg American Legion Post 507.
Ave. N, Shoreview
Details: Discussion presented by NAMI will cover common mental illnesses, early warning signs, and what parents of school-aged children can do to help. Contact: 651-484-3346 or pcotw.org/Parent-Education
STILLWATER HARVEST FEST
When: Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12
Where: Downtown Stillwater along St. Croix River
Details: Giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin drop, pumpkin regatta, live music, vendor market, kid's activities, food, beer and wine garden.
Contact: harvestfeststillwater.com
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14
Where: Wildwood Elementary School, 8698 75th St. N., Stillwater
Details: Hike the horse trail that parallels the Gateway Trail, out and back approximately 3 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com
ONGOING EVENTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays
Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street
Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers' market features more than 50 vendors. Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-429-8526
RED When: Through Oct. 12
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Limited run play is a provocative clash of art, ego and legacy. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
Memory triggers
Music and photos can evoke memories and reminiscing but, in my opinion, it is the sense of smell that most strongly evokes vivid memories and emotions. “A sensory experience that triggers a rush of memories often long past, or even seemingly forgotten,” is described in a Harvard Gazette article as a Proustian moment, named for the French author Marcel Proust. According to neuroscience studies, smell and memory seem to be so closely linked because of the brain’s anatomy, which allows scents to take a direct route to regions of the brain related to emotion and memory. I didn’t know what it was called at the time, but one of the first times I recall experiencing the phenomenon of a Proustian moment was during a bike ride through St. Paul on my way to Grand Old Days to listen to some friends playing in a band. I decided to ride through the neighborhood on Summit Avenue where I spent my grade school years. One of the defining features of the avenue were “islands” dividing the roadway, filled with lilac bushes and featuring an unpaved walking path. I reveled in the warmth, sounds and scents of a promising early summer day as I pedaled my bike down the sun dappled path in between the bushes when I suddenly and unexpectedly felt transported back in time to June 1968. Triggered by the powerful aroma of blooming lilac flowers, the memory and also the extreme emotions that accompanied the shooting and death of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy came back in a rush. I hadn’t thought too much about the events of 1968 in the intervening years and decades between grade school and adulthood, but now I was recalling the details of a walk down the same path to an end of the school year picnic. Not really understanding grief at that age, I just remember feeling sad and queasy. I was warmly welcomed by teachers and fellow students when I arrived at the picnic but was distracted and just couldn’t seem to find the joy in the event. I quietly withdrew and walked back home as soon as I had the opportunity. I was an avid reader at an early age and looked forward to the delivery of the newspaper and weekly news magazine. Around this time the news magazines suddenly disappeared from our home. Because one of my household chores was taking out the trash, I discovered that — in an effort to shield her children from the chaos and violence occurring at the time — my mother had thrown them away. I secretly fished them out of the trash and looked at them anyway. As a child, I apparently connected with RFK’s boyish charm and thoughtful manner and couldn’t understand why anyone would want to shoot him. Speaking publicly for the first time about the assassination of his brother John, the impromptu, emotional speech Kennedy gave in Indianapolis two months earlier, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., stressed the need for love, wisdom and compassion, not hatred, violence and lawlessness. It is considered to be one of the great public addresses in American history and is credited with sparing Indianapolis from the violent riots that erupted in cities across the country that night.
Following the recent political assassinations and shootings that have occurred in Minnesota and around the country I came to the sobering realization that a seemingly endless list of senseless acts of violence has been a constant throughout my lifetime. I do not have any answers, but from a weary perspective, I’m still clinging to the hope that there is a chance for dialog and incremental action that can at least pull us back from the brink and move things in a positive direction.
Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238
Local newspapers keep communities strong
Strong communities don’t just happen. They rely on connection—residents knowing what’s going on, businesses reaching the customers who keep them open, and citizens having the facts to make good decisions. Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can.
national headlines but matter most to daily life. They also highlight the stories that make a community feel connected: high school sports, neighborhood events, new restaurants, and profiles of people who make a difference.
America's Newspapers
In today’s fractured media environment, trust is the rarest commodity. Confidence in “the media” is low. Only 18% of Americans say they trust news on social platforms, and fewer than one in four trust cable networks. But nearly two-thirds say they trust their local newspaper—more than double the confidence placed in most other outlets.
In an era when anyone can post anything online, that clarity makes newspapers stand apart.
Newspapers provide the facts that keep civic life running: city budgets, school board debates, and local elections that rarely make
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Your local newspapers have evolved to meet readers where they are—on websites, mobile apps, and email newsletters. What hasn’t changed are the standards. Accuracy, ethics, and accountability still guide the work. That combination of modern delivery and traditional integrity is why people continue to turn to their local paper.
The same trust strengthens the local economy. Research shows consumers act on newspaper ads more than on ads delivered by TV, radio, or digital platforms. People see local business advertising as part of the same reliable package as the news. For a small business competing with national chains and online platforms, no other channel delivers the same impact. When residents trust the paper, they trust the businesses that support it.
The absence of a local paper leaves a mark. Voter turnout declines. Fewer residents attend public meetings. Government oversight weakens and borrowing
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costs rise. Small businesses lose their most effective way to reach local customers. And without a trusted source tying things together, misinformation and partisan spin spread faster, fueling confusion and division.
The opposite is true when newspapers are strong. Residents are better informed, more engaged, and more connected to each other. Businesses grow because they can reach customers in a trusted environment. Communities share a common set of facts that helps debate happen on the issues—not on whether the information is real.
But this role depends on support. Subscriptions, advertising, and community engagement make it possible for newspapers to continue earning the trust that communities depend on. A strong local newspaper doesn’t solve every challenge a town faces, but it makes civic life, local culture, and the local economy all work better. Healthy communities are stronger when their local newspaper is strong. Supporting the paper is one of the most direct ways residents and businesses can invest in their own future.
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Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s
Dean Ridings
Angle of View
Paul Dols
Immunization notification concerns
On numerous occasions, White Bear Lake Area Schools have failed to properly request immunization records of students. They consistently leave out the ability to submit an exemption in lieu of vaccine records. In the past, I was scolded by a school nurse because they felt the need to have records in case of an outbreak of communicable diseases. Given the limited medical care allowed to be administered by the school health aides and nurses, the concern was baseless. My most recent interaction was related to annual homeschool forms. My response below was ignored:
“As for immunization, no form is necessary as the district already has a letter on file for both of my children. I respectfully request the language be updated to include conscientious objection as this is a legal requirement per state statute 121a.15. Thank you.
‘Such written information must describe the exemptions from immunizations permitted under subdivision 3, paragraphs (c) and (d). The information on exemptions from immunizations provided according to this paragraph must be in a font size at least equal to the font size of the immunization requirements, in the same font style as the immunization requirements, and on the same page of the written document as the immunization requirements.’ https://www.revisor. mn.gov/statutes/cite/121a.15”
The administration has taken it upon themselves to act as the responsible party for ensuring students receive the recommended schedule of immunizations. They have even gone so far as to send parents numerous reminders and established a clinic in the high school. Given the ability of minors to seek their own medical care at the age of 13, this should be extremely concerning. What is advertised as convenience can easily become a battle between parents/guardians, their students and the schools.
Regardless of your stance on immunizations, everyone should be concerned that they are not being given the legally required notification.
Rebekah Bradfield White Bear Lake
Nation of laws
In listening to President "Bone-Spurs" yesterday, he reiterated that he's calling on the National Guard to gear up for protecting our cities from his claim of "enemies from within".
Funny, the reality of the "enemy within" is none other than Donald John Trump himself, our "Authoritarian President".
At this time, we are a nation of laws, and we're at the mercy of the MAGA Republican Senate and House, who are spineless sycophants of this deranged president.
This president has done nothing for the citizens' of our nation. Food prices have risen, jobs lost, interest rates are high. He has weaponized our Department of Justice to prosecute his enemies and consolidate his power by enlisting our nation's National Guard to police Democratic cities. Trump's ratings are underwater in all polls, including Fox News’.
This enemy within (Trump and MAGA) have chosen to shut down our government and refuse to deal with cutting ACA subsidies, and health care in general, all because of their goal to give their greedy billionaire supporters a $5 trillion tax break that will increase our national debt by another 25%.
I guess these words are true: "Poor man wanna to be rich, rich man wanna be king, and a king ain't satisfied until he rules everything". Thanks, Bruce (Springsteen) for your words!
This president should be guilty of treason by his failure to honor his oath to the Constitution,
weaponizing our Justice Department, and illegally charging massive tariffs while jeopardizing our economy and the world's economy.
God willing, Trump will be removed by initiating the 25th Amendment for his inability to uphold his oath to the Constitution due to his mental reasoning of his actions.
In God we trust, hope and pray!
Jim Brunzell, Jr. Vadnais Heights
Question media's word choices
Recent media reports have described mass shooters as “combat-trained” Marines (pbs.org/ newshour/nation/veteran-charged-with-openingfire-on-north-carolina-bar-killing-3-is-scheduledto-appear-in-court).
As a veteran, I am frequently intrigued by the mainstream media’s word choices and phrasing. I mean, aren’t all Marines “combat-trained” with “assault” rifles? That seems like the entirely self-evident point of serving as a professional member of the Marine Corps. As a matter of fact, combat experience using such training in a war zone is a point of honor for more than a few of the proud members of the White Bear Lake VFW. One wonders about the media’s lack of real-world experience with regard to placing service before self as Marines do.
PAID LETTER
Candidate enacts change in community
I am writing to share my enthusiasm that Ellen Gurrola is running for City Council in Ward 2 of White Bear Lake and my confidence that she is the right fit for the position.
In the four years I have known Ellen, it is clear how passionate she is for our community, for improving the lives of all people around her, and for truly listening to, and learning from, all viewpoints and backgrounds. Ellen doesn’t just sit back and listen or talk about what should or could be done, however. Ellen acts! Whether that be initiatives for preserving the beautiful environment we are lucky to live in, getting her hands dirty cleaning up parks, championing recycling and waste reduction efforts in Ramsey County and as the administrator of the White Bear Lake Buy Nothing group, to enacting change in her very own neighborhood.
As her neighbor, I can attest her efforts are well appreciated, even down to collecting the paper plates at the neighborhood celebrations so she can compost them. We often joke on our street that Ellen has endless energy and passion for helping people and the environment and is constantly thinking of new and better ways to support her community. She is, quite literally, a White Bear Lake superwoman!
One of the traits I admire the most about Ellen is her compassion for others and her ability to care for the people around her. This has been evident in her years as a teacher and the many students whose lives she has impacted, and by how she helps anyone at any time no matter the need. Ellen
knows firsthand the sacrifice first responders and their families make, the challenges and determination of immigrants in our community, and the struggles and passion of parents who want a better life for their children. She uses her experiences and the experiences of her community to enact change and to ensure everyone is cared for.
Ellen will bring this compassion to her role on the City Council, and the city will reap the rewards. Don’t forget to vote!
PAID LETTER
Candidate supports seniors
I am writing to wholeheartedly support Mary Nicklawske for mayor of White Bear Lake. One of many reasons is Mary’s commitment to planning for the aging population of our city and ensuring that we are working toward becoming a more agefriendly community. Mary recognizes that the city of White Bear Lake is a wonderful community to live in, to grow up in, and to grow old in. She also recognizes that White Bear Lake has one of the highest growing senior populations for cities of our size in Minnesota. Mary plans to establish a Senior Task Force to support what’s working and explore areas of opportunity.
I’ve been Mary Nicklawske’s neighbor for 16 years and have observed firsthand the many ways she shows up for our community including, among others, as committee secretary for Scout Troop 402; fundraising chair for St. Mary of the Lake and, later, Frassatti Academy; volunteer at St. John of the Wilderness and Neighbors Helping Neighbors Thrift Store; providing our first Little Library; and hosting the gathering space of our neighborhood for more than a decade.
I know that Mary’s passion for bringing people together will help us build an even stronger community for all! As mayor, Mary will build upon White Bear Lake’s rich history of neighbors helping neighbors. Mary’s commitment to seniors is informed by her personal experience as primary caregiver for her mom, who just passed away this year and was diagnosed with dementia nineyears ago, as well as her professional background working with veterans and the visually impaired.
I’m voting for Mary Nicklawske for mayor of White Bear Lake in the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. I hope you will get to know Mary at https://maryforwhitebearlake.org and vote for her, too!
David Knight White Bear Lake
Nicole Bousu White Bear Lake
Mary Mengel White Bear Lake
COPS&COURTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
A disorderly male was reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Sept. 24.
• A Minneapolis man was arrested after officers responded to the 1800 block of Seventh Street on a report of death threats Sept. 24.
• A Minneapolis man was arrested for theft at a business in the 2700 block of County Road E Sept. 24.
• Check forgery was reported in the 1300 block of Highway 96 Sept. 24.
• A driver was cited for failing to use due care following an accident between a vehicle and motorcycle at Highway 96 and White Bear Parkway Sept. 24. The motorcyclist had minor injuries.
• A bike was stolen in the 4700 block of Highway 61 Sept. 24.
• A Little Fork man was arrested for gross misdemeanor domestic assault in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 24.
• Officers responded to the 2300 block of Circle Drive on a report of a person who didn't come home when she was supposed to Sept. 24.
• Criminal sexual conduct was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E Sept. 25.
• A garage burglary occurred overnight Sept. 26 at a residence in the 2200 block of Orchard Lane.
• Theft from a vehicle overnight was reported Sept. 26 in the 3800 block of Midland Avenue.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue and the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Sept. 26.
• An individual was taken to the hospital following an assault in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. Sept. 26.
• Disorderly conduct was reported Sept. 27 in the 4900 block of Highway 61.
• Officers responded to a report of an assault between two residents in the 2500 block of Elm Drive Sept. 27.
• Officers responded to a verbal argument at a residence in the 2600 block of Aspen Court Sept. 27.
• Officers responded to the 2100 block of Third Street for a report of a juvenile riding a motorized bicycle on the sidewalks Sept. 27. The juvenile and parents were informed of the ordinances regarding bicycles in the city.
• A woman in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue reported seeing another woman hit her dog Sept. 27.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in
the 2200 block of Fourth Street Sept. 27.
• A vehicle window was broken in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Sept. 27. Officers responded to a noise complaint at the intersection of Cook Avenue and Fourth Street.
• Officers issued a citation following a report of a hit-and-run accident near the 2300 block of Floral Drive Sept. 28.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop on Woodcrest Road north of Ninth Street Sept. 28.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested on a felony warrant after a traffic stop near the corner of Second Avenue and Highway 96 Sept. 28.
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Oak Terrace Sept. 28.
• Officers responded to a dog barking complaint in the 2500 block of Dorothy Avenue Sept. 28.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
CONTRIBUTED Vandalism on lakeside path
Graffiti with a racist message was discovered on the Lake Avenue Trail near the Fillebrown House in White Bear Lake the morning of Oct. 6. By mid-afternoon it was covered up by city staff.
According to the White Bear Lake Police Department, the exact same message was reported in other areas of the city over the summer. WBLPD is investigating the incident, possibly as a hate crime.
“It is hateful and unacceptable,” said Chief Dale Hager. “It is a despicable message that doesn’t represent our community. We will investigate and charge (the person responsible) to the fullest extent. It is vandalism meant to intimidate and we will do everything we can to locate the person who did it.”
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Grant
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol at 4:42 a.m. Aug. 10 in the 10000 block of Dellwood Road N. happened upon two men going for a midnight walk. After the males stated they were walking from downtown Stillwater to an address near Justen Trail, deputies invited them into the squad for a free lift to their destination.
• After deputies responded to a 911 crash notification (due to the phone hitting the pavement) on Dellwood Road N. and Joliet Avenue N. on Aug. 10, they didn’t see any signs of a crash in the area. A short time later, a female reported the phone as belonging to her husband, who had dropped it in the road. Deputies brought the phone to the male, who successfully entered the correct passcode.
• Deputies stopped to assist a motorist who ran out of gas on Manning Avenue N. and 75th Street N. on Aug. 11, only to learn that a good Samaritan had run to the gas station to get enough gas so the
driver could drive there.
• In the Case of the Battered Bird, deputies took a call about an injured bird in the roadway on 75th Street N. and Lake Elmo Avenue N. on Aug. 14 and learned the caller had already transported the bird to a wildlife refuge.
Mahtomedi
• Warner Avenue S. residents on Aug. 7 reported receiving a scam call threatening to arrest them on a warrant if certain citations were not paid. The complainant was not scammed and just wanted deputies to know scammers were still out there.
• Deputies had a chat with a person of concealed identity walking on Warner Avenue S. and Stillwater Road at 9:21 p.m. Aug. 7 dressed in heavy sweatpants, a sweatshirt with the hood up and a full-face mask even though it was one of the most oppressively hot evenings of the year. The person of still undetermined identity said they always walk at night for exercise and are shy about their body. Deputies warned the polite, shy and compliant person about how suspicious their attire seemed and that they might draw negative attention to themselves even though they were not carrying
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township: Vadnais Heights
• Apartment managers in the 900 block of County Road D reported finding a wallet containing $20 in cash and an identification card for a Mexican citizen on Aug. 20. Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene to recover the items.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 26, was arrested Aug. 20 in the 1000 block of Horizon Street for threatening an older man on the street following a disagreement about cell phone use.
• Employees at a health care company in the 3500 block of Highway 61 reported receiving a voice mail message Aug. 20 that contained threats to people working at the company.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 31, was arrested at 1:17 a.m. Aug. 21 in the 1000 block of County Road D for violating a domestic abuse no-contact order by showing up at the apartment of the women who took out the order against him because he couldn’t find the remote to his TV that he had taken out of the apartment when he moved out.
• Deputies on Aug. 21 responded to a shoplifting report at the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E after loss prevention employees watched a video of someone driving a grey Pontiac Torrent who stole several bags of merchandise from the drive-up lane outside the store.
In the Case of the Hoarse Dog, animal control officers responded to the report of a barking dog in the 4300 block of Bramblewood Avenue on Aug. 22. The dog was reported for being let outside every evening to bark itself hoarse nonstop for hours, which bothered the complainant. Deputies warned the homeowner that subsequent violations would result in
anything of a threatening nature.
• A Park Avenue resident on Aug. 7 reported observing a check he had written that had been modified to a fraudulent amount and made out to an unauthorized payee.
• Deputies at 12:02 a.m. Aug. 10 responded to a report of a half-naked female laying on the front lawn of a Warner Avenue N. residence. Deputies confirmed the lack of emergency and determined the woman was intoxicated and trying to find her way home. Deputies reported no further incidents. However, different deputies must have started the shift just then because a report of a disturbance at 1:55 a.m. found two parties holding each other up outside a building on Mahtomedi Avenue. During this intoxicated night, a mailbox on Echo Lake Road was reported hit by a vehicle.
• A suspicious knocked-over stop sign on Hallam Avenue and Briarwood Avenue reported Aug. 12 turned out to have been removed to accommodate street construction going on in the area.
• A vehicle parked in the Wildwood Park lot on Lincolntown Avenue with the keys in it was reported stolen Aug. 12. After the vehicle was entered
citations.
• A Vadnais Heights woman, 33, was arrested for domestic assault Aug. 23 in the 1200 block of County Road D Circle E after deputies were dispatched out on a report of an argument and learned that the suspect had bitten the face of a man with whom she has a relationship.
• A White Bear Lake male, 17, was arrested Aug. 23 in the 800 block of County Road E after deputies found him driving a stolen Ford Fusion. When they tried to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, the suspect fled and crashed into a business sign before fleeing on foot. He was later caught when a fence abruptly ended his getaway.
• Hit-and-run to a parked Toyota Rav 4 was reported Aug. 24 in the 4000 block of Stockdale Drive. Deputies arrived on scene to document the damage to the driver’s side front panel of the vehicle.
• A St. Paul man on Aug. 24 reported hit-and-run damage to the front driver’s side door of his 2023 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck while it was parked outside a bar and restaurant in the 1100 block of County Road E.
White Bear Township
• A St. Michael man on Aug. 21 reported from the 3900 block of Lakewood Avenue that a boat he was trying to buy on FaceBook Marketplace appeared to have been previously stolen. Deputies investigated and confirmed that the boat had indeed been stolen from a St. Louis Park man. Deputies now have a suspect — an adult male, 43, who is now under investigation.
• A Scandia man reported that a circular saw, impact driver, battery charger and batteries were stolen from the back of his pickup truck Aug. 22 while he was inside a movie theater in the 1100 block of County Road J. Loretta Harding
into the National Crime Information Center database as stolen, it was recovered in Minneapolis the next day. A group of juveniles was reported on Aug. 12 for following a parent and her children on Woodland Drive and taking pictures of them. The complainant had had a previous altercation with the juveniles’ mother and felt uncomfortable. As the youths weren’t otherwise interacting with the complainant or committing any crimes, the complainant was advised to call back if their activity escalated.
• A juvenile male was arrested on a warrant Aug. 13 on Hickory Street and taken to a secure detention facility.
• A driver using a cellphone while driving Aug. 15 on Stillwater Road and Wildwood Road was issued a citation.
• A resident of an apartment complex on Wildwood Road reported the woman she had earlier turned in on a loud bass music complaint for now following her around on Aug. 15. When deputies spoke to the women, they both accused each other of following and harassing each other, as part of an ongoing issue between the two neighbors.
Loretta Harding
White Bear Schools, police investigating possible fraudulent enrollment
White Bear Lake Area Schools, along with the White Bear Lake Police Department, are investigating how a man over the age of 21 was able to enroll as a student at White Bear Lake Area High School.
According to an email sent out from High School Principal Russell Reetz, the district received reports of an individual enrolled at the high school who was over the age of 21 and “promptly started an investigation.”
“While enrolling this individual, we followed our enrollment process, which is as rigorous as state law allows,” Reetz wrote in the email. Per the initial investigation, the individual allegedly provided fraudulent documentation and a false identity to enroll.
Per Reetz’s email, the individual involved is currently in police custody and not allowed on any district property.
“We are continuing to investigate the situation and are working closely with the White Bear Lake Police Department,” Reetz wrote.
White Bear Lake Police Chief Dale Hager said at the time the matter was
reported to the White Bear Lake Police Department, the individual involved was already in custody at the Anoka County Jail on unrelated charges following an arrest by another law enforcement agency. The individual has since been transferred to the Washington County Jail on unrelated charges.
“The White Bear Lake Police Department is actively investigating this case in close partnership with the White Bear Lake Area School District staff, who have been fully cooperative,” Hager wrote in a press release. “While no charges have been filed at this time, our investigators are pursuing possible criminal violations related to fraud, forgery and unlawful conduct involving interactions with minors.”
In an email to families late last week, Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak said although the investigation is ongoing, he wanted to “provide some accurate information to clear up rumors.”
Per the email, an individual by the name of Kelvin M. Luebke enrolled at the high school allegedly using
fraudulent documentation and a false identity as Kelvin C. Perry Jr.
The email goes on to state that during the enrollment process Luebke identified on forms that he was a homeless unaccompanied youth. Per the McKinney Vento Act, students experiencing homelessness have the right to immediate enrollment in a school without having to provide all the required documents up front.
According to Kazmierczak, Luebke presented a birth certificate from another country showing that he was 18 years old and eligible for high school enrollment. “Throughout the enrollment process, there was no reason to believe the official birth certificate was fraudulent. “The provided birth certificate included authentic watermarking and official stamps/ seals. There was no indication that the document was anything less than authentic,” Kazmierczak said.
The email goes onto state that Luebke was enrolled in the school for a total of
19 days (Sept. 3-29). He registered for football on Sept. 8 and participated in three practices. He did not compete in any contests or travel with the team to any away games.
“I want to echo Principal Reetz's message of gratitude to the staff, families and students who came forward with information that led to our investigation and swift action to revoke this individual's enrollment,” Kazmierczak said.
“We will continue to investigate and to work closely with the White Bear Lake Police Department as they conduct their investigation. In addition, we will review our enrollment procedures to determine whether additional safeguards can be implemented without violating the McKinney-Vento Act or guidance from the U.S. and Minnesota Departments of Education.”
Anyone with relevant information related to the matter is encouraged to contact Hager at dhager@ whitebearlakemn.gov.
gondola ride through the canals of Venice. I’ll be arriving back home this week for another stretch of fine weather, though maybe not record breaking. Weather calendar note: I’m looking for pictures for my 2025 calendar. Email me at watsonwx@aol.com.
White Bear Lake Area
Church Directory
Walking soccer for seniors
A new form of exercise is coming to White Bear Lake's West Park. Walking Soccer is a variation of the sport that enhances coordination, balance and cognitive skills. Geared to men and women over 60, it is played in a recreational and social environment. Pickup games are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through October. An indoor location will be determined for the winter months. To learn more and to sign up, go to walkingsoccermn.com. West Park is located at 2350 11th Street, White Bear Lake.
The Closet seeks donations of cold
weather gear
The White Bear Area Education Foundation reports that 17 families have already visited The Closet to pick up clothing and outerwear this school year. As colder weather approaches, The Closet is in need of new and gently used winter coats and snowpants, winter boots and waterproof gloves and mittens. All sizes are needed, from youth to adult.
Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at The Closet at Sunrise Park District Center, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake. For more information, visit wblaef.org/thecloset.
Coats collected for veterans
American Legion Post 39 Legion Riders and Squadron 39 of the Sons of the American Legion are teaming up to collect serviceable winter coats for veterans. Coats can be brought to Legion Post 39, 2678 Seventh Avenue East, North St. Paul. A drop-off box will be located near the stage in the bar. Both men’s and women’s winter coats are needed. Coats will be cleaned and then distributed through the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV). For more information, visit americanlegionnorthstpaul.com.
Nonprofit hosts District Dialogue in White Bear Lake
If you care about the future of disability services and Medicaid for those living with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, get involved by attending a District Dialogue from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Hammer & NER, 2539 County Road E East, White Bear Lake.
The event will offer an opportunity for a conversation with state legislators who vote on the bills that affect people living with disabilities and the service providers like Hammer & NER that provide them with housing and support services. This District Dialogue is sponsored by ARRM (Association of Residential
Resources in Minnesota), a nonprofit association of nearly 200 disability services provider organizations, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of home and community-based services supporting people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.
Attendees are asked to sign up in advance online by visiting www.arrm.org. For more information, contact Mike Siebenaler, director of advocacy at Hammer & NER at Michael.Siebenaler@hammer.org.
Cold weather rule in effect
The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule went into effect last week. Under the rule, residential customers are protected from service disconnection from Oct. 1 through April 30 if the disconnection would affect the customer’s primary heating source.
“We want to remind customers that we are here for them if they need help with their bills,” Randy Cantu, senior director, Contact Center Operations at Xcel Energy. “We offer a variety of assistance options including self-service channels, and encourage customers to reach out—whether online or by phone— to make payment arrangements if they’re having difficulty keeping up.”
Income-eligible customers who contact Xcel Energy for Cold Weather Rule protection can establish plans to make monthly payments not to exceed 10% of household income and may qualify for additional energy efficiency and conservation programs. Visit https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/ energy-assistance for more information about the Cold Weather Rule and energy assistance options.
We watchingenjoyedand counting Loons on lakes near Ely. Most have headed south. The juvenile Loons on WBL continue to socialize and prepare for their first migration south.
In late September, Len and I spent some time in Ely, watching and counting Loons with our friend and Loon expert, Sherry Abts. We met Sherry in 2023, when we helped collect data for Loon researchers, who were studying Loons on Lake Jocassee, a freshwater lake in South Carolina. Known as the Loon Ranger of Ely, Sherry can regularly be seen hauling her kayak or canoe to 15 lakes in the Ely area to count and monitor the Loon population, which she has been doing since 2018, after working closely with some of the country’s top Loon scientists. We spent an amazing morning with Sherry in her canoe, looking for the remaining Loons in several Loon territories on Ojibway and Triangle Lakes.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Chamber hosts 2 ribboncuttings in October
The White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate two upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies this month. A ribbon-cutting is planned for 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Minnco Credit Union, 3625
We learned how to portage a canoe on Historic Roller Portage, built circa late 1800’s, to access Triangle Lake. Most of the adults and many of the juveniles had already started their migration south. We spotted a few adults, one with minimal molting, and a few single juveniles. Sherry was hoping to spot a pair of chicks from a late hatch in July, which we eventually did. We spotted the chicks with one of the parents making several wail calls, which the chicks ignored and continued with their foraging. All the chicks we saw, appeared at ease with their independence, as shown in the center frame. A very memorable and successful morning! Back on WBL, the juveniles have been
Talmage Circle, Vadnais Heights.
The ribbon-cutting will celebrate the merger of Minnco Credit Union and Cities Credit Union. A grand opening is planned from 3 to 5 p.m.
A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation’s 10th anniversary is also planned from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
busy preening, fishing, circling and calling each other. We spotted a water dance of five, following each other in a straight line at sunset. During the mornings, the juveniles
and
independently. Scruffy and another juvenile tend to spend late afternoons near the Birchwood shore. Always fun to
The Coots continue to raft in their agitated covers, while the
keep watch. A few days ago, we spotted a large Pelican
aimlessly, before it took off and headed east. We look forward to the arrival of the migratory water birds and fall colors.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S, White Bear Lake.
“The White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce is always excited to celebrate with our business community,” said Executive Director Kari Moore. “We host ribboncutting ceremonies for our members when they join the Chamber, for renovations, relocations and mergers, and for anniversaries in five-year increments. We’re excited to celebrate with both Minnco Credit Union and the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation.”
swim
fish
watch.
Eagles
floating
Ellen Maas
ELLEN MAAS | CONTRIBUTED
September 22 - October 5, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
Wild Hare Screen Printing Company
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
594 Monn Ave.
Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Timothy J McLaughlin
594 Monn Ave.
Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: September 20, 2025
Signed: Timothy McLaughlin
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 1 and 8, 2025.
CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY FOUNDATION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
This notice is published pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 317A.727, regarding dissolution of nonprofit organizations.
1. Children’s Home Society Foundation, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, (the “Corporation”) is in the process of dissolving.
2. The Corporation has filed a Notice of Intent to Dissolve with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
3. The Notice of Intent to Dissolve was filed on September 15, 2025.
4. Written claims against the Corporation must be presented to the Corporation, c/o Angela T. Fogt, 2200 Wells Fargo Center, 90 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
5. Claims must be received at the above address no later than December 23, 2025.
CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY FOUNDATION
Date: 9/9/2025
By Lance Novak, Chair
Published four times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 24, October 1, 8 and 15, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, DAKOTA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NUMBER: 19WS-FA-19-290
CASE TYPE: FAMILY
NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR CHANGE OF CUSTODY
In Re the Marriage of: Patrick Gerard Ferguson, Petitioner and Keisha Lynn Brown, Respondent
To: Keisha Lynn Brown, St. Paul, MN. NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Zoom, 5-19-25 at 1 p,m. before Morales, I will ask the Court for an Order granting the following relief: MOTION
1. Jordan Lanar Ferguson, child.
2. The current order or judgement and decree regarding custody, which I am now seeking to change, is dated 6-28-24.
3. I would like the Court to amend the current order for legal custody of the minor child, to sole legal custody to Patrick Gerard Ferguson.
4. I would like the Court to amend the current order for physical custody of the minor child to sole physical custody to Patrick Gerard Ferguson.
5. I ask the Court to change the parenting time schedule as set forth in my Affidavit.
6. I ask the Court to determine each party’s obligation to pay child support, including medical and child care support, to the other party in regard to the children in his or her physical custody.
7. N/A
8. I request such other and further relief as the Court may deem just, fair and equitable.
VERIFICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
a) I have read this document. To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the information contained in this document is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law.
b) I have not been determined by any Court in Minnesota or in any other state to be a frivolous litigant and I am not the subject of an Order precluding me from serving or filing this document.
c) I am not serving or filing this document for any improper purpose, such as to harass the other party or to cause delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation or to commit a fraud on the Court.
d) I understand that if I am not telling the truth, or if I am misleading the Court or serving or filing this document for an improper purposed, the Court can order me to pay money to the other party, including the reasonable expenses incurred by the other party because of filing or serving this document, court costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees.
Notice to the Other Party
After you receive these papers, if you want to respond to anything raised by the other party in his papers, your written response must be personally served on the other party at least 7 days before the hearing, or mailed to the other party at least 10 days before the hearing. Responsive papers are available from the Court Administrator’s office and online at https://mncourts.gov/ getforms/child-custody-parenting-time/forms-packet-response-to-requestfor-change-of-custody. Your responsive papers must be filed with the Court Administrator at least 7 days before the hearing.
If you want to raise new issues at the hearing the other party has scheduled, your Motion and Affidavit must be personally served on the other party at least 14 days before the hearing or mailed to the other party at least 17 days before the hearing. Your papers raising new issues must be filed with the District Court Administrator at least 14 days before the hearing.
Date: 4-28-25
Patrick Ferguson
AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF MOTION TO CHANGE CUSTODY
In Re the Marriage of:
Patrick Gerard Ferguson, Petitioner and Keisha Lynn Brown, Respondent
My name is Patrick Gerard Ferguson, and I state that:
1. I am the Petitioner and I make this Affidavit in support of my Motion to Change Custody. My relationship to the child is Father.
2. There is no child protection case.
3. There is no Order for Protection.
4. The child lives with the Respondent who is the child’s Mother. The children live in St. Paul, MN.
5. The current custody order which I am requesting be modified is dated 6-28-25.
6. The current order grants joint legal custody to both parties.
7. Legal custody identified which parent has the right to make decision regarding the upbringing of the child including education, health care and religious training. I want to change legal custody to sole legal custody in favor of Patrick Gerard Ferguson.
8. The current order grants joint physical custody to both parties.
9. Physical custody identifies the person with whom the child will live. I
want to change physical custody to sole physical custody in favor of Patrick Gerard Ferguson.
10. I want to change physical and/or legal custody, or modify a parenting plan provision specifying the child’s primary residence, because: A change of custody is in the best interests of the child and the parties previously agreed, in a writing approved by a court, to apply the best interests standard from Minnesota Statutes section 518.17 or 257.025. The court made a finding in the Order approving the agreement that the parties were fully informed, the agreement was voluntary, and the parties were aware of it implication.
Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 24, October 1 and 8, 2025.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF
STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
Moon Phase Prints
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
1010 DALE ST N SAINT PAUL MN 55117 USA
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Cosmic Journey LLC
1010 DALE ST N SAINT PAUL MN 55117 USA
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: September 22, 2025
Signed: Antonio Fioretti
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 8 and 15, 2025.
NORTHEAST METRO 916
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA
BOARD RETREAT NOTES
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
The School Board Retreat for Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Metro Heights Academy and the following business was transacted.
Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Forsberg at 5:04 p.m.
Roll Call of Attendance
Members Present: Palmer- 13, Jones-14, Forsberg-16, Oknesvad-282, Bock-621, Clark-623, Stout-832, and Thelander-834. Members Absent: Knisely-12, Daniels-624, Nitardy-622, Rebelein-831, and Dols-833. Also present: Dr. Val Rae Boe, superintendent.
Approval of Agenda
Adopted the agenda as presented, with the change listed above, limited discussion to the approved agenda, and accepted the list of items proposed for consent adoption.
Community Building Activity
School Board and Cabinet members participated in a community building activity.
Strengthening Partnerships Through Programs & Services
District leaders shared data and insights on the students served at Northeast Metro 916. Information included demographic statistics, graduation and assessment information, and Sped Setting IV trends. Information was also shared regarding how 916 supports students in member districts through the consultation team and itinerant services.
Meeting Adjourned
Adjourned the meeting at 6:14 p.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 8, 2025.
NORTHEAST METRO 916
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA
BOARD NOTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
The regular meeting of the School Board of Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Bellaire School and the following business was transacted.
Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Forsberg at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call of Attendance
Members present: Knisely-12, Palmer-13, Jones-14, Forsberg-16, Oksnevad-282, Bock-621, Clark-623, Daniels-624, Rebelein-831, Stout-832, Dols- 833, and Thelander-834. Members Absent: Nitardy-622. Also present: Dr. Val Rae Boe, superintendent.
Approval of Agenda
Adopted the agenda as presented, limited discussion to the approved agenda, and accepted the list of items proposed for consent adoption.
Board Calendar Dates
• Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 2024-25 Career and Tech Student Built Open House, 4:00-6:30 p.m. (2007 6th St North, North St Paul, MN 55109)
• Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - School Board Retreat at 4:30 p.m. at Metro Heights Academy (6499 University Ave NE Suite 104, Fridley, MN 55432)
• Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Questions and/or Comments from Citizens Present on Non-Agenda Items
None.
Presentation: Every Student, Every Day: Safeguarding Student WellBeing and Safety
A presentation was given regarding refinements and updates that have been made to Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management and Suicide Risk Assessment.
Presentation: Enrollment and Staffing Report
An overview of enrollment and staffing numbers for the 2025-26 school year was provided to the Board.
Presentation: Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan
A presentation was given regarding the Comprehensive Achievement & Civic Readiness Plan and how this plan aligns with 916’s strategic actions and benchmarks.
First Reading of School Board Policy
Policy 601 was presented as a first reading and will be brought back in October for approval.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Boe commented on the following items that were included in her written report: (a) School Board Appreciation Month; (b) Reunification Exercise; and (c) 2024/25 Strategic Actions Impact Report.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Approved the consent items, accepted as part of the approval of the agenda, consistent with the recommended actions presented by the administration.
Approval of Minutes
Payment of Bills and ACH Payments
Personnel
Approval of the 2024-25 Superintendent Evaluation
Accepted the 2024-25 performance evaluation for the Northeast Metro 916
Superintendent.
Approval of Strategic Actions Benchmarks for the 2025-26 School Year
Approved the 2025/2026 Strategic Actions Benchmarks which reflect the district’s commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to providing an exceptional, individualized education for all students.
Adopt Proposed Policy Modifications
Adopted School Board Policies 203.5, 205, and 521 as revised.
Board Forum Chair Forsberg shared a number of MSBA updates including: resolutions can be submitted by Boards through September 24; Delegate Assembly will be held on December 5 & 6 and nominations are open now through September 30; nominations for All State School Board are open until October 13 and Boards can nominate someone in their first term that is doing outstanding work to be a Rising Star; Platform in Action will be held on September 16, 18, and 19; and if a school district has a band or choir they would like to perform at the Leadership Conference in January, it would need to be submitted by September 29.
Lastly, Chair Forsberg mention that AMSD would be held in person at Quora Education Center or virtually on Friday, September 5.
Meeting Adjourned
Adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 8, 2025. RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE
SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES
Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.
Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details.
To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG34604-KB
OPENING DATE: OCTOBER 23, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, LABOR AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE LANDMARK CENTER NORTH TOWER ROOF AND LIGHTING PROJECT.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: LANDMARK CENTER, 75 W 5TH STREET, ST PAUL, MN 55102, OCTOBER 9, 2025, 9:30 AM CST
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG33354-KB
OPENING DATE: OCTOBER 30, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR, AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE RAMSEY COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY MEZZANINE BARRIER PROJECT, LOCATED AT 297 CENTURY AVENUE SOUTH, SAINT PAUL, MN.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, 297 CENTURY AVENUE SOUTH, ST PAUL, MN 55119; OCTOBER 20, 2025, 2:30 PM CST.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG35650-KB
OPENING DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE 2026 RAMSEY COUNTY ROSEVILLE AND MAPLEWOOD LIBRARIES LANDSCAPING PROJECTS.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCES: ROSEVILLE LIBRARY, 2180 HAMLINE AVENUE, ROSEVILLE, MN; OCTOBER 21, 2025, 9:00AM CST (9:00AM-ROSEVILLE) AND MAPLEWOOD LIBRARY, 3025 SOUTHLAWN DRIVE, MAPLEWOOD, MN; OCTOBER 21, 2025, 10:30AM CST (10:30AM-MAPLEWOOD) Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 8, 2025. CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2025 TREE REMOVAL CITY PROJECT NO. 2025-11
Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the City of Vadnais Heights until 1:00 p.m. (local time), Thursday, October 23, 2025 via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of proposed improvements. Estimated quantities for the Work include:
Base Bid Est. QtyUnitItem 108EACH CLEARING (ASH TREE)
EACH GRUBBING ASH TREE)
EACHSITE REPAIR, TOPSOIL, AND SEED (ASH TREE)
Bid Alternate A Est. QtyUnitItem
1LUMP SUMAPPENDIX B - LUMP SUM TREE REMOVAL 19 EACH CLEARING (NON-ASH TREE) 3 EACH GRUBBING (NON-ASH TREE) 3 EACHSITE REPAIR, TOPSOIL, AND SEED (NON-ASH TREE)
The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127, Nick Ousky, 651.204.6095, nick.ousky@cityvadnaisheights.com
The Bidding Documents may be viewed for free or downloaded for a fee of $22 at https://cityvadnaisheights.com/bids.aspx From the bid posting website, navigate to the “MCES Grant Ash Tree Removal”. The Bidding is managed from QuestCDN. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com
For this project, bids will ONLY be received electronically. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $42 at the time of bid submission via the online electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. To access the electronic Bid Worksheet, download the project document and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Prospective bidders must be on the plan holders list through Quest CDN for bids to be accepted. Bids shall be completed according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by Vadnais Heights dated October 1, 2025.
In addition to digital plans, paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 (651.204.6095) for a fee of $85(Please Call Ahead for Pickup).
Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
A Contractor responding to these Bidding Documents must submit to the City/Owner a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer verifying compliance with each of the minimum criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3 (Responsible Contractor).
The City reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the City. Nick Ousky Senior Engineering Technician
Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 8 and 15, 2025.
AROUND TOWN
1. This farmstand
located along Joliet Avenue in Grant. The stand sells things like eggs, honey sticks, eggplants, firewood and more.
— Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
2. Lions Sue and Dave Hunt have officially retired from maintaining the gardens at the White Bear Lake Armory. The two were gifted a plaque from the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. Pictured (from left) are Lion Rheanna O’Brien, Historical Society Executive Director Sara Markoe Hanson and Lions Sue and Dave Hunt. — Contributed
3. This buck turned up in a yard in Mahtomedi. — Loretta Harding, Contributed
4. White Bear Lake resident and world-renowned Steinway Piano Artist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera performed an inaugural concert at the Manitou Fund Education + Arts Center in Stillwater on Saturday night.
— Aaron Levin, Contributed
70 YEARS: Parkview United Methodist Church of Christ honors past, embraces future
Randy Edinger. Edinger, a resident of Shoreview, served as the church’s choir director for over 20 years and currently holds the title of moderator. He has attended the church since the mid ’80s.
Construction of the parsonage began, and the church acquired 10 acres of land. The parsonage was completed in late 1955, and services began in the basement. The increasing membership quickly outgrew the parsonage, prompting a move to Gall School (currently where the SMART Sheet Metal Workers' Local No. 10 is located) for formal worship. To meet the church’s growing needs, a building committee was formed and a fund drive launched for a new church building.
In 1958, members’ dreams were realized with the dedication of a new church building. By the end of the year, membership had grown to over 200. Recognizing the need for further growth, the congregation approved a plan for a new sanctuary in 1992. Groundbreaking took place on July 19, 1992, and by Palm Sunday 1993, the new sanctuary was occupied. It was officially dedicated on June 6, 1993.
In 2002, Parkview added a meditation labyrinth to help its members deepen their spiritual connection.
In 2022, members once again came together to invest in the church’s
future by supporting a capital campaign to renovate Fellowship Hall and add new technology capabilities.
At the church’s peak, there were approximately 250 members. Currently, the church has about 170 members who reside within about 25 miles of the church, but some families travel from as far away as Cottage Grove and Hudson, Wisconsin.
In the last few years, the church has started to see more younger families joining. “That just reinforces that we have something the community is looking for,” Edinger said.
Wightman added, “I think a lot of the newer families we have are interested in helping their kids become more involved in equity, acceptance and diversity. It’s a spiritual environment to give your family exposure to those values.”
Partnerships and outreach
For many years, the church has focused much of its efforts on community outreach and making a difference beyond its walls. Parkview has a long list of partnerships, including the White Bear Area Food Shelf, Feed My Starving Children and Solid Ground.
One partnership that the church is particularly proud of is with Willow Lane Elementary. Each week, 30 members of the church participate in the school’s Reading Buddies
program. In addition, members also typically host two teacher appreciation luncheons each school year. Members also helped with other projects, like the butterfly garden.
Parkview has also sponsored families from Vietnam and Ethiopia and considers itself an advocate for social justice and equality by collaborating with the White Bear Lake Area High School Black Student Union, Many Faces of White Bear Lake and Century College Black Multicultural Society.
Lorna Santema, of Oakdale, has attended the church for eight years. One thing she has loved about the church is its allyship. “There's such a welcome vibe here,” she said. “You can tell it is genuine.”
Wightman agreed and said the relationships he has made with other members of the church over the years have been invaluable. For a period of time, he stopped attending the church after moving away, but he decided to come back to the community, and church, where he raised his family.
“(The church) has the same values as my family. We are open-minded. We are affirming. We are tolerant. We try to treat each kindness as much as we can to be a participating member of society and be loving,” he said.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Kids Halloween Movie Night
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10
Where: Parkview United Church of Christ
Details: Kid-friendly Halloween movie night in Fellowship Hall, with a light dinner, popcorn and fun — costumes encouraged. Dinner and games start at 6 p.m. followed by the showing of “Monsters, Inc” at 6:45 p.m. RSVP is not required, but appreciated.
Pumpkin Patch
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Parkview United Church of Christ
Details: After worship service each child will receive festive jack-o-lantern stickers to decorate their very own pumpkin.
58th annual silent auction & bake sale
When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Parkview United Church of Christ
Details: Unique and exciting items and homemade treats — all to support our mission and outreach programs that serve the community. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Pet foster writes memoir about the way animals shape lives
Lino Lakes resident Cindy Ojczyk has been a pet foster for almost three decades. Ojczyk’s debut memoir, “Mom Loves the Dogs More: A Memoir of Family Rescue,” reflects on those years. Second Chance Animal Rescue, based in White Bear Lake, is featured in every chapter. Her memoir expands on themes she loves to write about, such as local dogs, rescue stories and the way animals shape our lives. It also tells her family’s own journey of fostering, parenting and healing.
Recently, Press Publications sat down with Ojczyk to learn more about her and her new book.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I’m an award-winning writer, author and longtime pet foster who has straddled two communities for the past 27 years. My husband and I have a White Bear mailing address, but a Lino Lakes property designation. Our two daughters attended White Bear schools from kindergarten through graduation. Many of the stories in my memoir unfold in and around the area—from the Manitou Days Parade to everyday family life in our neighborhood. I contribute a monthly feature, “The Real Dogs of the Quad Press,” for Press Publications.
Q. Is this your first publication?
A. “Mom Loves the Dogs More: A Memoir of Family Rescue” is my first book. It follows our family’s journey through the chaos of adolescence, complicated by teen mental health challenges and a revolving door of foster dogs. While the dogs certainly added to the chaos, caring for them ultimately kept us together when everything else felt like it was falling apart. The book also includes more than 20 photos of the foster dogs who shaped our story. I couldn’t imagine telling it without their faces on the page. Alongside the book, I publish a weekly newsletter, “Like People, Like Pets,” where I explore how the devotion we’ve built with our pets reflects the love and loyalty we all long to give and receive.
Q. Where did your inspiration come from for this book?
A. When people learn I’m a pet foster, I often hear, “I could never do what you do. I could never give them up.” Rather than explain repeatedly why fostering matters and how it saves lives, I wrote a book to do the talking for me. Early readers loved the dog stories but encouraged me to widen the lens. That shift elevated our family’s story of navigating teen anxiety and ADHD alongside rescue work. My family hopes sharing our experience will inspire others to seek help and to feel less alone.
Q. How did you decide what memories to include or leave out?
A. I took a writing class on theme and voice and studied “Story Genius” by Lisa Cron. Both helped me frame backstory in a way that supported the larger theme. Cron’s
chapter-by-chapter template gave me a consistent lens for deciding which memories moved the story forward to keep readers turning the pages.
Q. Did you keep journals or notes, or rely mostly on memory to help you write this book?
A. I kept a journal for each foster dog so I could write an adoption profile that reflected their personality and needs. Because I began drafting the book early in our fostering journey, those journals are peppered with family stories and anecdotes. I wrote everything down—I learned quickly that it’s far easier to cut than to try remembering later.
Q. What do you hope readers take away from reading your book?
A. By seeing my teens as individuals and adapting my parenting to their needs, I was able to repair our relationships and build stronger connections as they grew into young adults. Similarly, by seeing foster dogs for who they were and responding to their needs, I could help them heal and thrive. Even if you’ve never fostered a dog, you’ve likely faced seasons when family life felt overwhelming. My hope is that readers see pieces of their own story in ours and feel encouraged to find connection in unexpected places. The short takeaway? Compassion builds connection.
Q. Where can people find your book?
A. On launch day, the paperback will be available online through national and local booksellers, and the e-book will be on Amazon. Readers can always learn more at cindyowrites.com.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
A. Profits from the book will help support the local nonprofit Second Chance Animal Rescue, which is devoted to giving animals a second chance.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
Cindy Ojczyk
CONTRIBUTED
“Mom Loves the Dogs More: A Memoir of Family Rescue” is available through national and local booksellers.
Jean Louise Dawson
Age 82, of Backus, MN, born on August 24, 1943, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
She is preceded in death by her husband Gary Dawson, parents Lorene and Harold Davis, her sister Marilyn Davis, and her daughter Linda Sue Dawson. She is survived by her children Carol “Caroline” Dawson, Thomas John “TJ” Dawson, Thomas “Tom” Letson (Elizabeth “Liz”); grandchildren, U.S. Navy Lt. Jacob “Jake” (Dana) Letson, and U.S. Marines Captain Donald “Donny” (Morgan) Letson; and great-grandchildren, Dean, Miles, and Kate Letson. Her career as a journalist consisted of serving as a political reporter for Phillips Legislative Service and for her own publication, “The Minnesota Government Report.” She also created and published the Mahtomedi Area Press.
She was active in numerous community and charitable organizations such as the American Legion Auxiliary, both Post 507 Mahtomedi, MN, and Post 368 in Backus, MN. She also served as Mayor for Mahtomedi in 1972 and continued on in an advisory role to the Mahtomedi City Council for several years. She served as President for both the Mahtomedi Business and Professionals Association and the Good Neighbor Club. She served as the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce Director and Chair of the Backus Cornfest Parade Committee, as well as volunteering for the Eagles Healing Nest, and many other causes.
She enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading and knitting baby blankets for friends and churches, as well as hats for the military troops.
A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at the Backus American Legion in Backus, MN on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2-6 p.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that any memorial gifts be made to the Backus American Legion/Auxiliary or the Eagles Healing Nest for wounded veterans, in Sauk Centre, MN.
James R. Garin
It is with great sadness that the family of James “Jim” Richard Garin announces his passing on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the age of 90 years. Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Marilynn (Kuenkel), parents Eunice and James E. Garin, brothers, Dennis (Cheryl) Garin and Jack Garin, grandson, Daniel LeTourneau, and sonin-law, Kirk “Corky” Fleischman. He is survived by brothers, Robert (Carol) Garin and Michael (Albita) Garin, sister-inlaw, Judy Garin, and children Kathleen Fleischman, Jilleen (David) LeTourneau, Thomas (Darci) Garin, and Jennifer (Richard) Zimdars. Jim is also survived by grandchildren: Kristine (Kyle) Polden, David (Luisa) LeTourneau, Chelsea (William) Dawsey, Zachary (Kandice) Zimdars, Amanda (Kenneth) Biron, Chad Fleischman, Wyatt Garin and Lawton Garin, greatgrandchildren: Lucy, Jack, Della, Ana, Ryleigh, Cole and Adelynn, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Peter H. Seed
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on September 26th at the age of 88. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Barkas (nee Seed) and her husband John Barkas; son Jonathan and his wife Alexandra Piper; as well as granddaughters Chandler Seed, Halley Seed, Abigail Barkas and Georgie Barkas.
Peter Seed was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
At the age of 13 he left home to attend Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut. He spent his post-graduate year in England where he attended Harrow School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Yale University, where he was a member of both the Book and Snake Society and the Deke fraternity. After graduation, he married Linda Aikenhead. Their mothers, longtime friends, successfully conspired the match. With Linda at his side, he attended Harvard Law School where together they managed the International Visitor’s Center. He then served as a legal officer in the Army for two years at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Linda and Peter returned to Peter’s roots in Minnesota where he clerked for Minnesota Supreme Court Judge James C. Otis for a year. He then joined the law firm of Briggs & Morgan in St. Paul, MN. Peter practiced law at that firm for forty years primarily as a public finance attorney. As such, he served for twenty years as the head of the firm’s Public Finance Department which he cofounded.
They fell in love with a humble hobby farm in Grant which they slowly transformed into their “Shangri-La”. There, they raised their family, including a Belgium exchange-daughter, alongside a wide assortment of animals and met many likeminded friends.
Upon retirement, Linda and Peter moved to a condominium on White Bear Lake and established Vero Beach, Florida as their legal residence. Each summer Linda and Peter returned to Minnesota for five months of biking and gathering with old friends. For twelve years, they also spent two months each winter in the South Island of New Zealand biking and hiking, often with new Kiwi friends and fellow members of the Trixie Trampers.
Peter was active in civic affairs, but as he would say, his crowning achievement was helping secure local and legislative support for converting the
Dorothy Ann (Arneberg) Furlong
Of White Bear Lake passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in 1936 to Albert and Rose Arneberg. Survived by her brother Ronald Arneberg (Bonnie), sons Mike and David and daughters Sharon (Brian Hayes), and Kristin Furlong. 12 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband Lawrence Furlong, brother Richard, and grandson Blake.
abandoned Soo Rail line into the Gateway Trail. Peter held the position of Honorary Director of the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota and the Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association. In recognition for his service in relation to the trail, he was given the Reuel Harmon Award in 2011. In Vero Beach, he served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Indian River County Neighborhood Association. He advocated for Sunshine Law reform to address one-on-one meetings of public boards and opposed the Brightline rail extension from Palm Beach to Orlando. Toward that effort, he helped draft and fund the Indian River Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court, challenging the Brightline bonds’ taxexempt status.
Peter will likely best be remembered for his love of “the great outdoors” and his zealous proselytizing to his friends and family of its majesty. He persuaded many of them to join him on his biking, hiking, canoeing and skiing adventures. To help spread “the word”, he co-authored with his friends Nancy Wilson and David Dixon Biking with the Wind, a book of bike day trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin; wrote A Coastal Affair: Walking England’s South West Coast Path with his brother-in-law, best friend, and frequent walking companion Steve Aikenhead; and published a series of eleven bike maps of the South Coast of New Zealand with his wife Linda.
He also organized Peter’s Peddlers for an annual bike trip to Lanesboro and Preston, MN which quickly grew into frequent bike trips all over Europe. He also gathered group of friends for annual fall trips to hike the red rocks of Sedona, AZ and throughout Europe, backpacking trips in the Rockies, and cross-country ski jaunts out to Marina on the St. Croix from his house in Grant, MN. He loved both playing and watching tennis, most recently at Johns Island Club in Vero Beach. After balance issues ended his biking and tennis playing, he found joy in riding his scooter, often with his later partner in life, Dorsey Smith, to watch tennis at John’s Island or down the promenade of White Bear Lake.
He maintained his sense of gratitude until his end. As he penned in a Christmas letter: “…we continue to count our blessings for all the magical moments in our lives and, of course, you - our good friends and wonderful family.” He never stopped counting and passed full of gratitude.
Services will be held August 8th, 2026, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in White Bear Lake. In his honor, donations may be made to the Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association through the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, reflecting his love of the great outdoors.
Dr. Marylew Rose Lindell
Jim was a long-time White Bear Lake resident until moving to Englewood, FL in retirement. He graduated from Mahtomedi High School and was a proud Army veteran. Jim owned his own small business, Royal Tool & Engineering in Hugo, for several years. He will be deeply missed for his quiet strength, his long walks along Englewood Beach, and his immense loyalty and love of his friends and family.
Jim Garin will be laid to rest in a private family service to be held in his honor at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Dorothy lived a long and wonderful life, devoted to family, friends, and faith. She loved hosting gatherings at her lake home bringing joy to all. Crowned Aurora, Queen of the Snows in 1955, she remained active with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival throughout her entire life. Dorothy’s giving spirit touched countless lives and she will be missed dearly.
Services: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025. 10:00 visitation, 11:00 mass, reception to follow St. Mary of the Lake 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110.
Age 97, of White Bear Lake, passed away September 27th, 2025. Preceded in death by husband Dr. Robert Lindell, son Randy, daughter-in-law Maria, sister Dr. Betsy Park. Survived by children Robert Donald Lindell II (Nancy), Robin Diane (Virgil) Bakken, Tammie (Robert) Jackson, Eric (Michelle) Lindell, and Wendy (Scott) Chelberg; grandchildren 21; great-grandchildren 35. Memorial service Sunday, October 12th at Community Of Grace, 4000 Linden Street, White Bear Lake, at 2 pm. Visitation one hour prior. Luncheon to follow. Burial in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home 651-429-6172
Levi Shortridge, of Mahtomedi, caught this Northern Pike on White Bear Lake, Sunday, Oct. 5.
SPORTS
Zephyrs (6-0) rout Tartan, big tests ahead
BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The undefeated Mahtomedi Zephyrs rushed for 359 yards and stung Tartan with their air game also in defeating the Titans 39-6 at home Friday evening. The Zephyrs (6-0) now face Cretin-Derham Hall (5-1) on Friday and St. Thomas Academy (6-0) the following Wednesday, both on the road.
Jacob Reubish rushed for 206 yards in 26 carries with touchdowns of nine, nine, and eight yards, boosting his season totals to 657 yards and 11
TDs in five games.
The Zephyrs (6-0) got one-yard touchdowns from Mark Graff and Gavin Kruse and a seven-yard score from Moseh Mouacheupao. Kruse had 11 totes for 54 yards and Trevor Rogosheske four for 38 yards. Harlow Berger was 3-for-4 on conversions. Graff was 4-for-5 passing for113 yardswith a 47-yard gain to Jason Mitchell and two catches by Gavin Bifulk for 55 yards.
Tartan (3-3) had 198 yards passing and 115 rushing but no touchdowns. Kevin Wilson kicked field goals of 32 and 44 yards.
Another MEC crown for Zephyr soccer
BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Recently installed at No. 1 in the state Class 2A girls soccer rankings, the Mahtomedi Zephyrs have wrapped their seventh consecutive Metro East title and will open defense of their state championship starting Tuesday.
The Zephyrs went 7-0 in the MEC, extending their conference win streak to 30 and unbeaten streak to 40. However, two current streaks were broken Saturday when East Ridge (9-4) beat the Zephyrs 3-2 in the regular season finale. The Zephyrs had 11 straight wins and seven straight shutouts. Mahtomedi beat South St. Paul 3-0 with two unassisted goals by Anneliese Ulschmid and one from Rose Prescott. They won their MEC finale over Hastings 2-0 Thursday as Harlow Berger made 12 saves with goals by Lola Dambowy and Ulschmid.
The Zephyrs will open Section 4AA on Thursday against St. Anthony Village or Totino-Grace.
Bear gridders lose to Ponies,
White Bear Lake moved the ball well but fell short against the Stillwater Ponies 31-21 there Friday evening. A week earlier, the Bears (2-4) lost to unbeaten Forest Lake 32-3.
Bear quarterback Tomi Animasaun broke away for a 63-yard touchdown to open the scoring. Brian White III had a four-yard touchdown while gaining 104 yards in 14 carries. Animasaun hit Colton Butts deep for a 29-yard touchdown to pull the Bears within 24-21 in the third period.
Animasaun completed 10 of 23 for 137 yards with
no interceptions. Butts also had a 54-yard gainer and totaled 83 yards on two catches. Antonio Brown caught three for 20 yards. Lincoln Bacha kicked three extra points.
For Stillwater (3-3), Ben Fredericks threw touchdown passes to Owen Stanley (29 yards) and Bjorn Naatges (17 yards) and had a one-yard touchdown run. Chase Edstrom gained 135 yards in 20 carries with a 17yard touchdown. Colin Johnston kicked a 22-yard field goal.
Forest Lake 32, Bears 3 Forest Lake (6-0)
Locals run Twin Cities Marathon
Among the 7,344 runners who finished the Twin Cities Marathon on Saturday were numerous local entrants. The Press scanned the results and found the following names of locals who finished under five hours.
First among them was Andrew Enright of White Bear Lake with a chip time of 3:22:18 for 516th place overall, 441st among 4,361 men and 101st in the 30-34 age group. Nextfastest among locals was Anders Fischer of White Bear Lake in 3:22:33 for 451st place among the men.
White Bear Lake sisters Kayla and Hanna Meslow ran together and finished in 3:43:48 for 278th among 2948 women and 62nd in their 19-24 age group.
Others from White Bear Lake were Ian Snyder (3:30:58), Joel Hunt (3:42:28),
Bears trip 1st place CDH in volleyball
BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER
White Bear Lake volleyball, enjoying its best season in decades, had a season highlight on Thursday evening when they defeated first-place Cretin-Derham Hall 3-2 in St. Paul. The Bears (13-7 overall, 4-2 in the SEC) had nine matches in six days, of which they won five. Against the Raiders (18-3), the Bears eked out three close games to prevail 2624, 25-23, 12-25, 23-25, 15-13. They rallied from a 23-19 deficit in the first game, setting the tone. Martina Callegari delivered two kills in that rally and ended the game with a sinking ace serve. Callegari also got the 15th point in game five with a stuff block. She rattled off 26 kills and made 16 digs. Pearl Niemioja notched 10 kills. Kailey
Gieske made 30 digs and Maddie Pearson 25. Abby Meyer logged 29 assists and Leila Otto 13.
Their 4-2 SEC record is quite significant. In the previous 19 seasons the Bears totaled just 29 conference wins. The Bears were 17-13 last season, ending 16 straight losing season since going 14-14 in 2008.
The Bears beat St. Paul Central 25-22, 25-15, 25-19 and Mounds View 25-21, 2125, 25-22, 25-19, and went 2-3 in the Twin Cities Challenge in Burnsville. They beat Cannon Falls 25-15, 25-17, lost to Cretin-Derham Hall 25-17, 25-12 (as the Raiders got some revenge and went 5-0 in the tournament) lost to Rosemount 2521, 25-18, beat Owatonna 25-22, 25-15, and lost to Jackson County Central 20-25, 25-22, 15-12.
Madelyn Zobitz (3:42:42), William Jacobski (3:47:23), Tanner Hoel (3:48:45), Madison Anderson (3:56:51), Audrey Bork Vannatta (3:59:42), Wayne Kazmierczak (4:07:48), Scott Mevissen (4:10:09), Anthony Yares (4:12:24), Brian Naughton (4:13:06), Jake Perry (4:31:46), David Kittleson (4:35:33), Faith Rockford (4:38:18), Kimberly Voigt (4:54:55), and Zach Dohman (4:58:43).
From Mahtomedi: Ryan Olson (3:46:35), Angell Krell (4:08:44), Christopher Hiller (4:43:22) and Earl Skrip (4:59:30).
From Hugo: Brigg Zimmerman (3:44:47), Christopher Smith (3:57:57), Jacob Lund (3:59:18), and Lincoln Medin (4:52:05), the youngest local in the 14-18 age group.
Bruce Strand
Rangers
rushed for 232 yards and never had to punt.
Connor Johnston hit Mack Jurkovich for touchdowns from 21 and 38 yards, Kevin Ndirangu ran for TD’s of 33 and one yard, and Jayden Onuonga booted a 42-yard field goal. Animasaun was 9-for-20 for 103 yards and gained 42 yards in 14 runs. Brown caught five passes for 57 yards. White gained 45 yards in 16 carries and caught two passes for 22 yards. Christian Humphrey made three tackles for losses.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Kailey Gieske
White Bear Lake Volleyball October 8, 2025
Kailey Gieske’s gritty defensive play and senior leadership are key factors in White Bear Lake volleyball’s resurgence this season. “Kailey is a steady defensive player, leading the team from the back row,” coach Mackenzie Leverty assessed. “She reads the ball well and makes great defensive plays which can often frustrate our opponents.” The 5-foot-4 libero made 30 digs when the Bears won a close five-game duel against the first-place team last week. For the season she’s logged 352 digs, 45 assists and 14 aces.
Tomi Animasaun was off and running for a 63-yard touchdown against Stillwater.
Kayla and Hanna Meslow of White Bear Lake posted this photo on social media in front of the state capitol, after finishing the Twin Cities Marathon together on Sunday.
Legislators draft letter to maintain retail downtown
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Representative Betty McCollum are pressing Postmaster General David Steiner not to relocate retail services from the downtown White Bear Lake Post Office.
The White Bear Lake City Council recently sent a letter to the U.S. Postal Service to share its opposition on the current proposal to relocate retail services outside of downtown. The letter was also sent to Klobuchar, Smith, McCollum along with state Sen. Heather Gustafson, state Rep. Brion Curran and Ramsey County Commissioner Kelly Miller. (See White Bear Lake Council sends letter of opposition to relocation of retail post office,” White Bear Press, Sept. 17, 2025.)
“We write to express opposition to the U.S. Postal Service’s proposed relocation of retail services from the post office located at 2223 5th Street in White Bear Lake, Minnesota,” wrote the lawmakers. “Whether it is a small business owner sending time-sensitive documents, an entrepreneur delivering products to a new customer, or simply a person staying connected with family and friends, Minnesotans rely on retail services at their local post office every day.”
“That is why it is important that these services— including a retail counter, P.O. boxes, and dropboxes— remain at the White Bear Lake Post Office,” the lawmakers continued. “The current location is centrally situated in downtown White Bear Lake, providing convenient access to residents, local businesses, and visitors alike. This convenient location is not only economically beneficial for the community, but also ensures a strong customer base for the Postal Service which relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.”
To read the letter in full, visit https://tinyurl. com/396wjexa.
Shannon Granholm
RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT BRIEF
Watershed’s 2026 budget adopted by board
The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers has approved the 2026 budget, which will total $11,292,092 — the same amount as in 2025, with no increase. The budget will help fund the cost of communication and outreach, project planning and implementation, and ditch and creek maintenance. According to the RCWD, staff members have been successful in securing over $900,000 in grant funds for 2026 projects. More information about the 2026 budget can be found online at www.ricecreek.org/about/ board-of-managers
CHURCH BRIEFS
Drop off kids, have a night out
St. Stephen Lutheran Church has the first of three Parent’s Night Out events from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Parents who would like to have an evening out can drop off their children ages 2 through 5th grade for an evening of supervised activities and dinner. Group size is limited and advance registration is necessary by calling 651-777-1107.
More Parent’s Night Out events will be available in Nov. and Dec. St. Stephen is located at 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake.
Rebuild following a relationship
Parkview UCC is hosting a 10-week workshop to help people move on and have hope following the end of a relationship. “Rebuilding when a relationship ends” begins Thursday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. and runs every Thursday through Dec. 18. To participate, contact 651-653-8732.
Back-to-back wins for Community of Grace Christian School in Best of the Press Contest
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Community of Grace Christian School, formerly Magnuson Christian School, may have a new name, but one thing hasn’t changed: It continues to rise to the top in the White Bear Lake Press and Vadnais Heights Press Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest.
The annual contest allows community members to vote for a wide variety of their favorites, including restaurants, doctors, schools, artists, services, events and much more.
This year, Community of Grace was voted “best middle school.” Teacher Jen Fehrmann was also voted “best teacher” for grades 6-12. In last year’s contest, the school was voted best elementary school (K-5).
“We are all about faith, family and excellence in all that we do,” said Director Heather Norman. “The warmth, the connections, the relationships (and) the love for learning, our God, and one another makes us so very unique and special. We are the best-kept secret in town.”
The vision for the school began in 2004 when Pastor Steve Mahan looked down the halls of First Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, saw all that empty space and thought, “We should fill this.” He and others got together with a vision for creating a different kind of educational option for children in the community. They wanted to create a learning environment centered on Christ where children could learn and thrive and excel academically.
The school opened its doors to its first kindergarten class of 16 students and has since grown to a K-8 school that serves approximately 130 students from the northeast metro who come from a variety of school districts, including White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, Oakdale, Maplewood, Mounds View and Centennial.
“We have infants through adults learning about God under one roof,” Norman explained. “Our mission is to create a Christ-centered, academically excellent, caring, safe community that develops the whole child — heart, soul, mind and body, preparing and empowering students to become confident, strong and
compassionate leaders.”
In 2016, First Lutheran Church became Community of Grace Lutheran Church, a name that Norman says more fittingly described the spiritual heart and culture of its church family. This summer, Magnuson Christian School officially changed its name to Community of Grace Christian School to reflect the school’s commitment to fostering a welcoming, faithfilled learning environment where every student can grow academically, spiritually and personally.
One reason Norman says the school rose to the top in the contest is likely because of its staff.
“Our staff go above and beyond every day to connect and meet the individual personal and academic needs of each child. We deeply care about our students and families and seek to see, love, serve and teach people the way Jesus does,” she said.
Best Teacher Fehrmann has worked at the school for five years. She received her teaching degree from Mayville State University in Mayville, North Dakota. She currently resides in Stacy with her husband Jon and their two children, Hazel and Declan, and three Labs. Prior to becoming a teacher there, she partnered with the Christian school while she was a director and preschool teacher at Lake Area Discovery Center.
“I love sharing stories and devotions of the Lord and watching children's faces light up when they can relate to stories of the Bible. I am honored to continue my love of teaching God's Word with the children and families of our school,” she said.
For more information about Community of Grace Christian School, visit www. graceschoolwbl.org.
To Creditors and Claimants of HB Foundation: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 317A, HB Foundation (the “Corporation”) hereby gives you notice as follows:
1. The Corporation is in the process of dissolving pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 317A;
2. The Corporation has filed a Notice of Intent to Dissolve with the Minnesota Secretary of State;
3. The date of filing the Notice of Intent to Dissolve was September 25, 2025; 4. Written claims against the Corporation may be presented in care of Heidi Christianson, Nilan Johnson Lewis PA, 250 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 800, Minneapolis, MN 55401; and
5. All claims must be received by the Corporation within ninety (90) days after the date this notice was first published pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 317A.727, subd. 2(5). Published four times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2025.
In partnership with “Into the Outdoors,” a youth education television program of Discover Mediaworks, the show “Real-life Case Files!” has been nominated for best short and long form content in the Children/Youth/Teen Award division. The 67th Chicago/ Midwest Emmy Awards will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1. “Through an innovative partnership with Into the Outdoors, the Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative, and the U.S. Coast Guard, “Case Files” highlights critical boating safety information and the important work of the U.S. Coast Guard. It also highlights the importance of conservation and organizations such as the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium for efforts to conserve marine wildlife,” said Pat Conzemius, president and CEO of Wildlife Forever. HB FOUNDATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Wildlife Forever and ‘Into the Outdoors’ nominated for EMMY Award
Teacher Jen Fehrmann was voted “best teacher” for grades 6-12.
